Get set to strap on your skates as the city’s ice rink returns
Sunderland’s city centre ice rink is returning to make it a merry Christmas.
The popular attraction will be back in Keel Square this year, as the centrepiece of a packed festive programme .
The rink will return from Saturday, November 27 – this year under cover to ensure the weather won’t get in the way of festive fun.
Keel Square will also host a family-friendly fair ground, and Santa’s Grotto will be back intheBridgesshoppingcentre.
The news follows the announcement of plans for the city’s Christmas Lights switch on,whichwilltakeplaceonNovember 18.
TheChristmasprogramme is being delivered in partnership between Sunderland City Council and Sunderland Business Improvement District (BID),andtheplanswillbewelcome news after last year’s festivitieswerecurtailedbyCovid restrictions.
The activities are concentrated around the Riverside Sunderland site, which has undergone a dramatic transformation since the last major festive programme in 2019, with construction of City Hall now complete and the new Holiday Inn Keel Square taking shape.
Coun Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “It’s been a tough few years, and I think many people arelookingforwardtoenjoying Christmas in a way they were unable to in 2020. Though we allneedtoberesponsible,with transmissionofCovid-19onthe rise, we’re pleased to be able to reintroduce events and attractions that will make it feel like Christmas for all the family.
“Tobeabletohostactivityin and around our transforming Riverside Sunderland is wonderful. For those who haven’t beentothecityforawhile,they will see such a difference. It’s a brilliant time to be in Sunderland, and our Christmas programmewillshowcasethebest of the place.”
The ice rink has been a major hit in previous years with 12,500 people putting their skatesonin2019,andthisyear, there will be a range of festive packages for groups and businesses to draw more people into the city centre.
SharonAppleby,chiefexecutive of Sunderland BID said: “Havingmissedoutontheusual festivities last year – I think lots of people will be more excited than ever about enjoying the build-up to December 25 with family and friends.
“We’re delighted to be bringing back a packed festive programme that will ensure residents have a fabulous Christmas in the city centre.”
The Fire Station will be running its first Christmas programme, as the newly
constructed Auditorium welcomes visitors for the first time. New lighting has also been installed around the city centre,reflectingthecity'shistory and heritage.
Other popular attractions
include Sunderland Empire Theatre’s Christmas Panto, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, which will run between December 10 and January 2.
For further information, visit: https://www.mysunderland.co.uk/christmas and to book the ice rink, visit www. sunderlandicerink.co.uk.
In view of the continuing high numbers of Covid infections in the city, Members of the public planning to attend the Christmas Switch On and other festive events are advised to take precautions such as wearing a face covering and adhering to social distancing where possible.